Michael Wells - September 15, 2012

Michael James, “Mike” Wells, 54 years of age, of Kearney, (formerly of Axtell) passed away on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012, at Clarkson Hospital in Omaha.
He was born Aug. 27, 1958, at Holdrege, the eldest of four children born to Ted and Arlis (Bergman) Wells.
He was baptized at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Holdrege on March 13, 1966, and later confirmed on May 5, 1974, at the Bethany Lutheran Church.
He received his education from Axtell Community School, graduating from Axtell High School with the Class of 1977.
During his high school years, Mike participated in football and enjoyed helping on the family farm. He was referred to by his friends as, Huggy Bear. He then pursued higher education at the Hastings Technical College, where he received his associates degree in auto mechanics.
On Dec. 27, 1986, he was united in marriage to Anita M. Lorentzen at the Bethany Lutheran Church and to this union three children were born: Michaela Sue, Alexander Curtis and Jesse James.
The family continued to reside in Axtell, where Mike engaged in farming on the family farm with his father and uncle, Dave Wells. He also enjoyed his employment at Doug’s Repair Shop in Axtell after his farming years.
In November of 2002, Mike received treatment for alcoholism and through the years he continued to be an advocate of AA. In recent years, Mike mentored many people who were struggling and in need as he participated in meetings in Kearney and Holdrege. His favorite quote was, “Let Go and Let God.” Mike also enjoyed men’s fast pitch softball, where he pitched for his teams in Central Nebraska. Mike was an avid drag racing fan, enjoyed baseball, and loved Husker football.
He leaves to mourn his passing, his mother, Arlis Wells of Holdrege; daughter, Michaela Wells of Lakewood, Colo.; sons: Alex Wells and Jesse Wells both of Kearney; sister, Wendy Larson and husband, Jim, of Funk; brothers, Jim Wells and Jerry Wells, both of Lincoln; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
Memorial book signing will be held at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege on Thursday, Sept. 20 from 5 to 8 p.m. with the family greeting friends from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Memorial services will be held on Friday, Sept. 21 at 2 p.m. at the Bethany Lutheran Church of rural Axtell with Pastors David Evenson and Gale Dorn, officiating.
Private family inurnment will be held at Prairie Home Cemetery at Holdrege prior to the services.
A memorial has been established in his name and will be designated at a later date.
Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com .
The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.